Fusion designers also worked hard to ensure passengers can slip into the back seat with ease. In a packaging exercise, the designers even donned size 14 shoes to confirm that someone with that foot size could enter and exit without brushing the B-pillar scuff plate or the back of the front seat. Their goal was achieved by pushing the rear door as far back toward the C-pillar as possible. It's this kind of attention to detail that contributes to the overall package ingenuity of 2007 Fusion, including such standard ergonomic niceties as a height-adjustable driver's seat and a tilt and telescope steering wheel.

In addition to carrying people in comfort, 2007 Fusion is capable of making quick work of cargo. The roomy, 15.8-cubic-foot trunk boasts a flat load floor and low liftover height with compact decklid hinges that won't crush boxes or groceries. The rear seats feature a standard 60/40 split and fold-flat function with spring assist, allowing pass-through access to handle long items and provide best-in-class storage space. What's more, the ability to handle extra-long items has been increased for 2007 in the SE and the SEL, where a fold-down front seat back is now standard.
 
A choice of three distinct interior themes allows customers to personalize their driving environment. Owners have a choice among carbon graphite, wood or piano black accents. The inviting interior also has optional leather-covered seating surfaces with contrast stitching. 2007 Fusion's interior has many storage options, with a pop-up bin in the top of the instrument panel, a clamshell armrest, six cup holders, rear-seat armrests and one-touch 60/40 fold-flat rear seats.

On all models, a variety of high-end features is available, including a tilt and telescope steering wheel, heated front seats, and a six-disc, in-dash CD player that also reads MP3-encoded audio discs. A standard auxiliary audio input jack, available SIRIUS satellite radio and a DVD-based navigation system will all be available shortly after the 2007 model launches.


2007 Fusion Powertrain and Chassis

The availability of all-wheel drive on V-6 models of the SE and the SEL is the big news for 2007. But it would not be the achievement it is if Fusion did not have such solid underpinnings.

2007 Fusion's available all-wheel drive system was tuned with an emphasis toward driving performance while also offering confident all-weather driving. The system continuously monitors vehicle speed, throttle input and steering angle to seamlessly deliver torque to the appropriate wheel even before wheel slippage occurs. The system also helps eliminate torque steer and helps balance the vehicle when cornering.

Satisfying ride and rewarding handling begin with a stiff chassis, and Fusion boasts torsional rigidity 12.7 percent higher than the already outstanding base architecture. This allows the four-wheel independent suspension to absorb driving harshness and respond more precisely to steering inputs.

Four-wheel power disc brakes are standard, and a four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution is optional.

The soul of any car is its engine, and Fusion offers a choice of Ford's 2.3-liter, Duratec 23 inline four-cylinder (I-4) or 3.0-liter, Duratec 30 V-6. Both feature aluminum construction, dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake variable-cam timing and electronic throttle control to deliver smooth, spirited performance along with good fuel economy and emissions ratings.

The four-cylinder engine delivers 160 horsepower and can be paired with a five-speed manual or - unusual in this segment - a five-speed automatic transaxle. Also good news for the environment, when mated to the automatic transaxle, the Duratec 23 I-4 is rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California.

previous page | go to page 3